I live next (about two miles) from a reservation in Western NY where basically the same type of thing would happen all o
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Archived from the IMDb Discussion Forums — Skins
Gabe1972 — 16 years ago(January 10, 2010 01:03 PM)
I live next (about two miles) from a reservation in Western NY where basically the same type of thing would happen all of the time. Sadly, people used to talk about not wanting to drive down certain roads during the weekends because we might find "speed bumps" in the road (drunk Natives). Harsh, but it really used to be like that. There used to be many alcohol related accidents and deaths on the reserve. There really was almost no future at all for most of these people, and that causes a lot of depression and alchololism, as well as other things, as you know.
About twenty some years back the natives started selling cigarettes and such on the reserve, and it really becamed a landfall. In recent years, they have opened a few Casinos in the area. It has helped tremendously. The difference between twenty years ago and today for them is night and day. Finally, they are getting some uppance that they deserve. There's still a high incidence of alcohol abuse comparatively, but not anything like it used to be. And they certainly aren't poor anymore. It's made their lives a lot better.
Do they not allow this kind of thing on the reserve in South Dakota? Cigs, casinos? It sure would help with employment and an overall better life. Sure, they are vices, but most people can handle them just fine (yeah, cigs are bad).
If your nose runs and your feet smell, you were built upside down. -
Gabe1972 — 14 years ago(August 04, 2011 12:14 PM)
It is true that many lives are ruined by gambling, but I think for the most part people can handle it and know where the line is drawn. I do know, like I said, the for the natives here it has really helped them tremendously. Within the last year they have completed an absolutely huge and state of the art community center. It's an amazing place. For so many years it was such a poor and sad community, and now it is the exact opposite.
Sure, like you said, some people's lives are adversly affected, and also with a small portion of the natives their lives have only gotten worse because of the extra money (more money for gambling, drugs, alcohol), but overall, their community and the surrounding community has prospered. Western NY isn't exactly a prosperous area, and the natives contribute some of the income to the areas outside of the reserve as well (in the form of taxes as a few of the casinos aren't on native land).
Around here, the casinos have helped, but I do know what you mean. Just look at what has happened to Atlantic City. Sure, the casino area is all glitzy and nice, but the actual city has only gotten worse.
I guess we will know in another twenty or thirty years the full impact of the casinos on the area, but overall, so far it has been good. As for the few folks who's lives have been ruined hopefully they can learn from their excesses.
P.S. Yes, I know I'm babbling, but I'm not one for writing a concise thought and it takes a bit. LOL.
If your nose runs and your feet smell, you were built upside down.